Hi everyone, I’m currently restoring my 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena – manual, sunroof, Azzurro California. We’re now at the engine rebuild stage, and I’d like to ask for your advice about OEM or equivalent sealants and adhesives used during factory assembly. The official Ferrari workshop manual references several original Arexons and CAF products: AREXONS 4734 SYSTEM 35A10 – for oil pump cover surfaces AREXONS SYSTEM 52A42 – for pulley and solenoid fastening points AREXONS SYSTEM 56A38 – for timing variator and side bushing AREXONS 2144 – silicone sealer for camshaft cover and gasket joints CAF 4 White Sealant – used on the oil sump and some valve cover joints (as seen in factory F131 assembly notes) These products are now obsolete, and I’d like to confirm the modern equivalents or Ferrari-approved alternatives (Loctite, Dirko, Hylomar, ThreeBond, etc.) used by those who have rebuilt 360 or F131 engines. I’m particularly interested in your input on: Where CAF4 (or equivalent white sealant) was originally applied — e.g. sump, valve covers, but not on head gaskets Which current sealants are best for aluminium and magnesium components Long-term reliability experience with Loctite/Dirko products on these engines Additionally — does anyone know if Shellack (Gommalacca) was still used by Ferrari during the F131 production period? On some earlier engines, Shellack was applied in small amounts: Between wet liners and block seats (for micro-sealing) Around core plug edges Occasionally on valve guides during press-fit assembly I’d like to confirm if by the time of the 360 Modena Ferrari had fully replaced Shellack with CAF4, Dirko, or other sealants in these areas. I’ve attached several workshop manual references below showing the original Arexons product codes for context. Many thanks in advance for any insights or modern product cross-references you can share! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
So many to choose. Just read the labels and pick the one that best matches the OE spec and color. They pretty much all work the same. Some better than others. Stick to a well known and proven brand. Permatex is my go to for most sealing requirements. They have a variety of sealant types readily available. I think they now own Loctite if I'm not mistaken.
